I don't know about you all, but the winter blues have been hitting me hard! As the days get shorter and the sunlight fades, many people start to feel more tired, sad, or unmotivated. This isn’t just the “winter blues”—it may be Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that happens when our bodies get less sunlight during fall and winter.
SAD can make it harder to get out of bed, stay active, or feel interested in things you normally enjoy. But one bright spot during the darker months might already be by your side—your pet.
Pets can help lift your mood in small but powerful ways. They give you a reason to get up and move, even when you don’t feel like it. A short walk with your dog, playtime with your cat, or simply sitting together can help lower stress and boost serotonin—the same chemical that sunlight helps produce. Pets also provide warmth, routine, and unconditional love, all of which can ease the loneliness that sometimes comes with winter.
Here are a few simple ways to care for yourself (and your pet) this season:
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🌞 Get outside together. Even short walks or a few minutes in natural light can help.
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💡 Use light therapy. A light box can mimic sunlight and improve your mood.
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🕒 Keep a routine. Regular meals, walks, and playtime help both you and your pet feel balanced.
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💬 Stay connected. Reach out to friends or family—and enjoy your pet’s companionship as part of your support system.
If you notice your mood staying low for more than a couple of weeks, talk to a healthcare provider. With support—and a little help from your furry friend—you can bring back the light, one day at a time.
☀️ Your pet may not be able to chase away winter, but they can help brighten every day of it.
I like to do some of my canning this time of year to remind me of warmer days. What do you do to help combat SAD?
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Candice Hinkle
Assistant Director
Program for Pet Health Equity
Knoxville, TN
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